Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
by Dillon Beaman
Basic Information
- When- August 6th and 9th, 1945 during WWII
- Who- USA dropped atomic bombs on Japan
- What- Two atomic bombs (Fat Man and Little Boy)
- Where- Two different cities called Nagasaki and Hiroshima
- Why- To end WWII and prevent further American casualties
Interview of US citizen about bombing of Japan
Different Media Portrayals
In this example, the media portrays the bombing as very masculine and triumphant. The article encases the fact that the USA was a giant superpower.
This example seems more brutal and factual. The article uses the death count to make the bombing seem more negative. Even though this is an US newspaper, it hints at the fact that maybe the bombing wasn't morally right.
The title is very short and sweet. By using "JAPS" instead of "JAPAN'" the article diminishes the value of Japanese lives. This media report favors the bombing and whatever consequences concur.
Different Biases
- Radical USA Patriotic- This bias is seen through the eyes of someone very patriotic and loves their country. The person doesn't care too much about anyone or anything outside the American borders. This person believes that America is, and deserves to be, the leading nation.
- Conservative- This bias is seen through the eyes of someone that doesn't care too much about patriotism. The person thinks deeper than just themselves and their country. They choose nonviolence, and don't partake in radical ideals.
Different Criticisms
- Historical Criticism- Never in history has a weapon been used as deadly as an atomic bomb. The US opened the door for other countries to develop and use atomic weapons.
- Feminist Criticism- Few, if any, women's opinions influenced the decision to use the bombs. During the 1940's women's opinions were far from equal from men's.
Personal Bias and Opinion
All throughout school, I was taught that the bombing was an overall positive thing even though it killed thousands of people. I have not questioned whether the US should or should not have dropped the atomic bombs, simply because I do not particularly care. By living in the US, the opinion that the bombs had to be dropped prevails king. In Japan I am almost sure that the population thinks way differently about the whole situation. The children in school are taught different biases than I was. In the end, just by living in the US, my mind wants to favor the idea that the bombs needed to be dropped.
Citation
(n.d.). Retrieved May 6, 2015, from http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0806.html